Explore maritime history through interactive exhibits, working models, and hands-on activities celebrating Appledore's rich shipbuilding heritage.

North Devon Maritime Museum in Appledore celebrates the village's rich nautical history dating back to medieval times, when it was an important centre for shipbuilding and maritime trade on the River Torridge estuary. The museum offers engaging exhibits suitable for visitors of all ages, featuring interactive displays that bring the region's seafaring past to life. Visitors can enjoy working models of ships from the 16th century to modern day, educational films about past maritime activities, hands-on experiences like turning a ship's wheel and tying nautical knots, and a chance to learn how sextants were used in navigation. The museum also includes a fascinating WWII room with stories and photographs of experimental inventions developed for the 1944 Normandy landings. An upstairs telescope provides additional engagement and excellent views across the area. The venue is particularly family-friendly with admission prices designed for groups (children ages 3-16 at £3, family packages available). Well-behaved dogs are welcome throughout the museum. A knowledgeable volunteer team provides expert guidance, and visitors can browse the on-site gift shop for maritime-themed souvenirs. The museum operates seasonally from April through October, 7 days a week, 10:30am-5pm, with ground floor disability access and on-site toilet facilities.

Venue Details

What this place offers

Toilets

Public transport nearby

Accessible toilets

Free WiFi

Baby changing facilities

Food available

On-site parking

🐕Dog-friendly

Parking nearby

Pushchair friendly

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Robin Denley Bowers

a week ago

Really interesting collection in a beautiful location, with friendly and knowledgeable staff. It’s tucked away, but definitely worth seeking out! The woman on the reception was very, very helpful, and knew so much about the exhibits.

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Samuel Harrison

a month ago

A fantastic visit to the North Devon Maritime Museum! The exhibits are wonderfully well-preserved, and the detailed displays bring local seafaring history to life. The staff were brilliant—incredibly friendly, welcoming, and knowledgeable!

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Serena

a month ago

Fab museum for kids and adults. Staff are lovely and knowledgable. Lots of great displays, models and paintings. I recommend 100% if you are visiting Appledore.

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Sam Brackenbury

2 months ago

Lads... there is alot of information here. Great access to knowledge and education through reading. Theres also a big boat wheel thing you can pretend to be the captain of a ship, theres a statue worth seeing for reasons.... a jar which clearly documents a world record for a fella sticking ferrets in his pants and one of those classic stick your face through a cut out for classic banter picture. Overall something for everyone, you can either read or do that other stuff I said 👍

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Stephen bashford

3 months ago

What a fantastic gem of a museum, well laid out, helpful volunteers, an easy way to spend a few hours. I've been meaning to visit after seeing the brown sign on previous visits to Appledore. Room 3 was all about the D-Day landings and then I realised it was 6th June, 82 years ago.

Reviews last updated: 7 October 2026